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Grocery adjudicator could be given penal powers
Moore Thompson chartered accountants has welcomed a report from the House of Commons Business, Innovation and Skills Select Committee which calls for the Groceries Code Adjudicator to be given the power to fine supermarkets.
It calls for the powers to fine to be made clear on the face of the Groceries Code of Practice Bill, while also allowing trade associations to provide evidence on behalf of suppliers, so providing them with anonymity.
Andrew Heskin, a partner in Moore Thompson’s Farming Sector team, said changes to the Code of Practice would encourage suppliers to come forward if they feel the Code is being violated.
He said: “Many of our clients who are important suppliers to major supermarkets often feel reluctant to invoke their rights under the Code.
“Appointing an adjudicator, who will allow suppliers to give evidence anonymously, will go a long way to encourage suppliers to draw attention to potential breaches of the code without causing damage to their business interests.”
Being in the heart of the fens, Moore Thompson has always provided specialist advice to agricultural and horticultural business.
“For many years, our clients, many of whom are indirect suppliers to large retailers such as farmers, have felt they have not had a voice,” said Mr Heskin.
“By appointing a supermarket ombudsman with a power to fine those that break the Code, we believe that supermarkets would be forced to look after the interests of our clients.”
While many retailers have criticised the operating costs of the adjudicator and attempted to delay its establishment, Waitrose has given the bill its backing, as it believes suppliers form the “the lifeblood of the supermarket industry.”
Moore Thompson, which has offices in Spalding, Wisbech and Market Deeping, has a dedicated and highly trained farming sector team, whose experience and specialisation enables them to offer a personal service covering all aspects of taxation, accountancy and business advice to farmers and growers.
For more information, please contact Moore Thompson in Spalding on 01775 711333, in Wisbech on 01945 465767 or in Market Deeping on 01778 380850, or visit www.moorethompson.co.uk.
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